Charleston, SC - Best Moving Companies Near Me

Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Charleston, SC, is All My Sons Moving & Storage, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of South Carolina to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Charleston, SC

https://www.facebook.com/AllMySonsCharleston/, https://twitter.com/AllMySonsMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Careful handling (23%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (38%)
  • Higher-than-expected costs (33%)
  • Lack of communication (28%)
Review Analysis
Strong word of mouth powers All My Sons Moving & Storage, with 62% of customer input praising the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional attitude, and quick pace. Clients frequently mention courteous crews and movers who ensure belongings arrive undamaged—qualities that set them apart from many competitors. On the downside, 38% warn of damages to items, extra or unexpected charges, and poor communication, including unresolved complaints and higher-than-quoted bills. Two reviews report slow or inconsistent follow-up on damages and pricing disputes—much more critical than what customers typically see from rivals. The broad review base of 346 entries gives a clear picture: All My Sons is recognized for reliable, fast work, but also criticized for lapses in property care and billing transparency.
Get a Quote (843) 202-4860

Company Info

State license #: 9792-B

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/smoothmovecharleston/, https://twitter.com/gosmoothmove?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (45%)
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Careful handling (38%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (12%)
Review Analysis
Moving with Smooth Move Charleston means you'll likely be impressed. Out of 270 customer inputs, 94% praised the company for efficient service, professional staff, careful handling of possessions, clear communication, and a smooth moving process. Multiple people noted easy scheduling, as well as fast, cautious crews that often finished under budget and with no surprises. Customers described their moves as stress-free with property and valuables respected throughout. Hardworking, fast-moving teams and personable attitudes have made these movers stand out when compared to others in the industry. Negative input made up just 5%, with issues concentrated around property damage, unprofessional conduct, or communication gaps. These incidents involved broken or lost items and inconsistent follow-up, which customers found frustrating. Overall, most people felt their belongings were handled safely and the staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Few companies in Charleston earn the consistent, high marks for reliability and skill Smooth Move Charleston receives from its customers.
Get a Quote (843) 860-9717

Company Info

State license #: 9823

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2357653

Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LowCountryMoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (35%)
  • Careful handling (31%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Low Country Moving, LLC receives high praise from most customers, with 233 out of 260 feedback entries (nearly 90%) recommending their services. Clients consistently report efficient and quick service, professional and courteous staff, careful handling of items, and solid communication. Many say booking is easy and pricing is straightforward, noting experiences that are smoother than with larger national firms. On the downside, some report instances of damaged items, especially when furniture is not packed as securely as expected. There are also complaints about poor packing quality and communication breakdowns when resolving claims. Compared to other movers, this company stands out for its speed, reliability, and professional attitude, though attention to packing details is vital for higher-value items. Persistent issues around item care and follow-up detract from an otherwise stellar reputation.
Get a Quote (843) 737-1279

Company Info

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2362770


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
https://www.facebook.com/CougarMovingCo,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Good communication (23%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
Customers describe Cougar Moving as a moving company that consistently delivers fast, careful, and affordable service, with nearly nine out of ten reviewers sharing very favorable feedback out of 132 responses analyzed. Clients frequently highlight the team’s efficiency, professionalism, and skill in handling belongings safely, appreciating the affordable rates and responsiveness through the booking process. Many reviewers note punctuality and a friendly, positive attitude among staff, promptly addressing client needs throughout the move. Although most feedback speaks highly of careful handling, some clients experienced damaged items or property, with dissatisfaction directed at slow complaint resolution and, in isolated cases, perceived unprofessional behavior. Communication breakdowns and lack of follow-through on repairs emerged in the few negative comments. Cougar Moving earns stronger praise for reliable, value-driven local moves compared to typical competitors, though future clients should still inquire about damage protection and response times for claims. Nearly 90% of customer input recommends Cougar Moving for those seeking an attentive, efficient moving service at a competitive price point.
Get a Quote (843) 608-1835

Company Info

Pricing: $124/hr

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2868021


Services Offered

https://www.facebook.com/strongmenmovingco,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (80%)
  • Professional and polite staff (68%)
  • Good communication (64%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Lack of communication (28%)
Review Analysis
Moving day stress gets a real solution with Strong Men Moving, according to most customer feedback. Reviewing 206 opinions, nearly 90% of clients express satisfaction, naming careful handling, efficiency, courtesy, and helpfulness as standout features. Movers often go above and beyond, securing fragile items, offering thoughtful packing, and tackling challenges with a positive attitude. Many appreciate the team’s professionalism and the speedy, stress-free moving process. A handful of clients mention damage to belongings, lateness, or poor communication, which occur more often than with other top-rated movers but remain infrequent. Negative input mainly cites mishandled items, late arrivals, or slippery coordination. Few neutral reviews reference inconsistent scheduling and follow-up. Compared to many moving companies, Strong Men Moving receives strong endorsements for reliability and attention to detail, yet some would like more consistency with punctuality and care for property. The firm outpaces competitors on staff friendliness and care, even as areas like timeliness and follow-up warrant continued focus.
Get a Quote (843) 830-6305

Company Info

State license #: 9865


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Best movers for those moving out of South Carolina

As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving South Carolina for a new state:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Best moving containers in Charleston, SC

Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.

Container costs in Charleston vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.

We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

Best rental trucks for your Charleston, SC move

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Charleston, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in South Carolina costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.

While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.

We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:

Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only movers in Charleston, SC

Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.

Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Charleston:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

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How we chose the best movers in Charlestontoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How do I find a reputable Charleston mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Charleston, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Charleston or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over South Carolina, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Charleston has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Charleston may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Charleston movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Charleston movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in South Carolina.

Average cost of movers in Charleston, South Carolina

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Charleston area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in South Carolina for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.

Local moving costs in Charleston

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Charleston, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Charleston, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Charleston is $134 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $508 $188 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $696 $188 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,109 $263 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,528 $368 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,896 $368 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,440 $515 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Charleston

The cost to move from Charleston to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from South Carolina. Here are a few examples:

Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.

Factors that affect the cost of your move

  • Distance: Your moving costs in Charleston will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Charleston will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across South Carolina state lines.
  • Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Charleston, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
  • Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
  • Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
  • The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Charleston?toggle

Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts

For more info on parking permits in Charleston, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Charleston moving company?toggle

You can save money when hiring a Charleston mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.

Do Charleston movers offer storage?toggle

Yes, many Charleston movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.

If your Charleston mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

How can I see all moving companies in South Carolina?toggle

You can see all moving companies in South Carolina by taking a look at our full list of South Carolina movers.

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